Vase - Porcelain
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Selected by Marion Oliviero
Holds a master's in Chinese archaeology with extensive expertise in Japanese art.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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Japanese Fukagawa Seiji porcelain vase with a cobalt blue ground and white iris decoration, in a classic tsubo form, 24 cm high, 17 cm wide and deep, weighing 2,656 g, in excellent condition from the mid-20th century, with Fukagawa Seiji mark and original tomobako.
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Description from the seller
Item Description
深川製磁 Fukagawa Seiji Porcelain Vase — Cobalt Blue Ground with White Iris (Hanashōbu) Decoration
This exquisite porcelain vase is a masterwork by 深川製磁 Fukagawa Seiji, one of Japan's most prestigious Arita ware manufacturers, designated as supplier to the Imperial Household Agency (宮内庁御用達). The vase features a stunning deep cobalt blue glaze ground, over which beautifully painted white iris flowers (hanashōbu) bloom in graceful relief. The blossoms are rendered with delicate shading in soft blue and white tones, enhanced with refined gold line details that trace the contours of the petals and leaves — a hallmark of Fukagawa Seiji's distinguished painting tradition.
The vase takes a classic tsubo (jar) form with a gently swelling body, narrow neck, and a subtle footed base. The interior rim is finished with an elegant gold band. The reverse side is presented in an immaculate undecorated cobalt glaze, showcasing the quality and depth of the glaze itself.
The base bears the iconic Fukagawa Seiji mark — the "Fuji with flowing water" (富士に流水) symbol — printed in underglaze blue, accompanied by the characters 深川製 (Fukagawa-sei / made by Fukagawa). The piece is accompanied by its original tomobako (wooden presentation box), inscribed with the title 花瓶 (kabin / flower vase) and bearing the notation 宮内庁ご用達 深川製 美術有田焼 (Imperial Household Purveyor, Fukagawa-made Fine Arita Porcelain).
A collectible piece of fine Japanese ceramics from one of the country's most historically celebrated kilns.
Size
Height: 24 cm
Width: 17 cm
Depth: 17 cm
Weight
2,656 g (including original wooden box)
Condition
The vase is in excellent condition with no visible cracks, chips, or notable scratches; the gold detailing and cobalt glaze remain vivid and intact.
Artist Profile
深川製磁 Fukagawa Seiji was founded in 1894 in Arita, Saga Prefecture, by Fukagawa Chūji, son of the founder of the esteemed Kōransha pottery. From its early years, the company pursued technical innovation in translucent white porcelain and deep cobalt blue underglaze painting, developing what became known as the "Fukagawa style." In 1900, Fukagawa Seiji exhibited at the Paris Exposition Universelle and was awarded the Médaille d'Or, the highest honour, introducing its wares to Europe under the name "Fukagawa Porcelain" rather than generic "china." In 1910, the company was designated as an official supplier to Japan's Imperial Household Agency (宮内庁御用達), a distinction it maintains to the present day. Fukagawa Seiji's pieces have graced imperial banquets, diplomatic receptions, and Japan's most prestigious ocean liners. The brand's iconic trademark — Mount Fuji above flowing water — has symbolised Japanese fine porcelain for over 130 years.
Item Description
深川製磁 Fukagawa Seiji Porcelain Vase — Cobalt Blue Ground with White Iris (Hanashōbu) Decoration
This exquisite porcelain vase is a masterwork by 深川製磁 Fukagawa Seiji, one of Japan's most prestigious Arita ware manufacturers, designated as supplier to the Imperial Household Agency (宮内庁御用達). The vase features a stunning deep cobalt blue glaze ground, over which beautifully painted white iris flowers (hanashōbu) bloom in graceful relief. The blossoms are rendered with delicate shading in soft blue and white tones, enhanced with refined gold line details that trace the contours of the petals and leaves — a hallmark of Fukagawa Seiji's distinguished painting tradition.
The vase takes a classic tsubo (jar) form with a gently swelling body, narrow neck, and a subtle footed base. The interior rim is finished with an elegant gold band. The reverse side is presented in an immaculate undecorated cobalt glaze, showcasing the quality and depth of the glaze itself.
The base bears the iconic Fukagawa Seiji mark — the "Fuji with flowing water" (富士に流水) symbol — printed in underglaze blue, accompanied by the characters 深川製 (Fukagawa-sei / made by Fukagawa). The piece is accompanied by its original tomobako (wooden presentation box), inscribed with the title 花瓶 (kabin / flower vase) and bearing the notation 宮内庁ご用達 深川製 美術有田焼 (Imperial Household Purveyor, Fukagawa-made Fine Arita Porcelain).
A collectible piece of fine Japanese ceramics from one of the country's most historically celebrated kilns.
Size
Height: 24 cm
Width: 17 cm
Depth: 17 cm
Weight
2,656 g (including original wooden box)
Condition
The vase is in excellent condition with no visible cracks, chips, or notable scratches; the gold detailing and cobalt glaze remain vivid and intact.
Artist Profile
深川製磁 Fukagawa Seiji was founded in 1894 in Arita, Saga Prefecture, by Fukagawa Chūji, son of the founder of the esteemed Kōransha pottery. From its early years, the company pursued technical innovation in translucent white porcelain and deep cobalt blue underglaze painting, developing what became known as the "Fukagawa style." In 1900, Fukagawa Seiji exhibited at the Paris Exposition Universelle and was awarded the Médaille d'Or, the highest honour, introducing its wares to Europe under the name "Fukagawa Porcelain" rather than generic "china." In 1910, the company was designated as an official supplier to Japan's Imperial Household Agency (宮内庁御用達), a distinction it maintains to the present day. Fukagawa Seiji's pieces have graced imperial banquets, diplomatic receptions, and Japan's most prestigious ocean liners. The brand's iconic trademark — Mount Fuji above flowing water — has symbolised Japanese fine porcelain for over 130 years.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Weight
2656 g
Country of origin
Japan
Material
Porcelain
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
Height
24 cm
Width
17 cm
Depth
17 cm
Estimated period
mid-20th century (estimated 1950s–1970s)
